Gizmo

Bendy batteries made with nanotube paper could power flexible electronic displays. Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, grew carbon nanotubes on silicon and coated them in dissolved cellulose. Later they peeled off the silicon, creating a piece of paper with nanotubes on one side to act as an electrode, and used the paper to make lithium-ion batteries that work even when bent.

If you're bored with breaststroke try the PowerSwim, a carbon-fibre "tail" inspired by seals and dolphins. Strapped to a swimmer's shins, it helps them maintain a speed of about 4 kilometres per hour. Its inventors at the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency reckon the super-flipper, showcased at the DARPATech 2007 symposium in Anaheim, California, could help military divers zip through the water.

To continue reading this article, subscribe to receive access to all of newscientist.com, including 20 years of archive content.

To continue reading this article, log in or subscribe to New Scientist

App + web

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$25.99 - Save 65%

12 issues for $2.17 per issue

with continuous service

Print + web

Print

Web

$28.99 - Save 61%

12 issues for $2.42 per issue

with continuous service

Print + app + web

Print

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$39.99 - Save 73%

12 issues for $3.33 per issue

with continuous service

Web

Web only

$49.99

30 day web pass

Prices may vary according to delivery country and associated local taxes.